I Felt as Though I Was Already Dead to the World" — How Clean Water Restored Emmanuel's Dignity
Emmanuel Murekezi, 63, water project beneficiary in Ndera Sector
“Before meeting Abadahigwa, I felt as though I was already dead to the world.”
Emmanuel Murekezi is a father of five whose life has been shaped by loss and hardship. His first wife, Veneranda Musabyemariya, died while the family was displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the aftermath of Rwanda's Liberation War. After returning to Rwanda, he remarried and continued working hard to provide for his children despite limited resources and an unstable second marriage.
For years, water scarcity deepened his isolation. Like 65% of households at the project baseline, he relied on an unimproved water source, spending up to two hours on each trip to fetch water. In a community where carrying water is often considered women's work, Emmanuel endured stigma while caring for his family. Limited water also meant he could not maintain basic hygiene.
Emmanuel sharing his personal story with Umurage Growth's Executive Director, Gyslaine Uwitonze
“I would wipe my face with a damp cloth and pretend that was enough. My children turned away. Neighbours crossed the road. I stopped going to church. I was not just dirty—I was invisible”
In February 2026, the Abadahigwa Water Site opened. Identified by the Water Committee as vulnerable, he now receives two free jerrycans of safe water daily, plus hygiene training.
“The first day I collected clean water, I cried—not because of the water, but because someone had finally seen me”
Today he bathes regularly, washes his clothes, and has returned to church. The Water Committee checks on him regularly.
“My first wife is gone, and my second wife no longer sees me. But Abadahigwa sees me. The Water Committee sees me. Because they see me, I can see myself again. Murakoze cyane, Abadahigwa. Murakoze cyane, Umurage Growth”
Access to improved water increased from 25% to 53.8%. Handwashing with soap rose from 16% to 38%.